Sällskapet - in brief

The Club Sällskapet - a brief introduction

On December 1,1800, SÄLLSKAPET was founded in Stockholm, the Club's "Rules and Regulations" were accepted, entered in the "Original Documents Book" and duly signed by the 91 founding members. SÄLLSKAPET could consequently celebrate its bicentennial in the year 2000.

SÄLLSKAPET chose its name from the Swedish expression for "society" or "social gathering". The Club was founded as a "Gentlemen's club" and it has so remained till this day.

Since March 31, 1870, SÄLLSKAPET resides at Arsenalsgatan 7, a building which was purposely erected for the Club. The architect Johan Fredrik Åbom was a successful Stockholm builder and he had impressed the Club's members with his design of the banqueting hall at Hotel Rydberg, located on Gustaf Adolfs Square, where the Club resided at that time. He was sub-sequently requested to copy the banqueting hall in the new Club building. Today the result of his efforts is our beautiful principal dining room. On March 31, 1877 SÄLLSKAPET acquired the building.

The Club houses one of the largest private libraries in Sweden, containing more than 15.000 volumes in addition to a number of attractive lounge rooms as well as games and billiard rooms.

H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf is the Patron of SÄLLSKAPET. HRH Prince Carl Philip, the Duke of Värmland, is a honarary member.

SÄLLSKAPET counts some 2.000 members. Some 30 current members have belonged to SÄLLSKAPET for more than 50 years and benefit from a life time membership. Currently new membership requests exceed available openings.

SÄLLSKAPET represents a neutral position on issues concerning politics and faith. The Club sees as its principal task to offer a welcoming environment for social gatherings and to provide for the comfort of its members. The Club offers its members participation in a wide range of special interest societies, at lectures and in debates as well as the opportunity to lunch and dine on the splendid premises. Seating capacity in the two largest diningrooms is max 150 and 80 resp.

SÄLLSKAPET has entered into a number of Reciprocal Agreements with similar clubs around the world.